Te Awamutu Courier

Tough times hit housing project

Funding sought for stage two of joint social housing initiative

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The first stage of Habitat for Humanity Central Region’s affordable Te Awamutu housing developmen­t, in partnershi­p with Zion Church, is complete.

Buildings on the former Zion church site on the corner of haupō and Racecourse roads were demolished, freeing up almost a hectare for housing.

Habitat Central chief executive Nic Greene said the organisati­on was seeking funding to start stage two.

“Developmen­t on this site has been impacted by the current tough economic conditions and a change in government, which has brought a change in housing-related funding,” he said.

“However, we remain committed to supporting people in Te Awamutu to achieve their housing aspiration­s through delivering affordable housing options on this site.”

Resource consent for the developmen­t was granted last year. The developmen­t will see 40 new one-, twoand three-bedroom homes built, with a range of tenure options.

The developmen­t aims to create a strong sense of community and will include common greenspace areas to be enjoyed by residents.

There is no current time frame for stage two, but Greene advises people should “watch this space.”

We remain committed to supporting people in Te Awamutu to achieve their housing aspiration­s through delivering affordable housing options on this site. Habitat Central chief executive Nic Greene

Locally, Habitat Central manages Freeman Court, an independen­t living facility for older people, and housing units on Palmer St.

They also operate a ReStore charity shop on Sloane St, which helps raise funds to support their housing initiative­s.

 ?? Photo / Dean Taylor ?? Above: Stage 1 of Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing developmen­t in Te Awamutu is complete with the removal of the ZION buildings.
Photo / Dean Taylor Above: Stage 1 of Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing developmen­t in Te Awamutu is complete with the removal of the ZION buildings.
 ?? Photo / Dean Taylor ?? Below: Housing units on Palmer and Vaile Streets.
Photo / Dean Taylor Below: Housing units on Palmer and Vaile Streets.
 ?? ?? Left: Artist’s impression of Zion site housing developmen­t.
Left: Artist’s impression of Zion site housing developmen­t.

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